Rahul Gandhi Joins NSUI Protest Against NEP 2020 and UGC Draft Rules
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi participated in a protest organized by the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) at Jantar Mantar on Monday.
The demonstration was held to oppose the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the University Grants Commission (UGC) draft rules, and the ongoing issue of paper leaks.
Gandhi addressed the protesting students, delivering a sharp critique of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over their influence on India’s education system.
Gandhi’s Accusations Against RSS
While speaking to the gathered students, Gandhi accused the RSS of deliberately dismantling India’s education infrastructure.
He stated, “One organisation is trying to destroy the Indian education system, and that organisation is the RSS. If our education system falls into their hands, the country will be destroyed, and employment will be finished.”
He further alleged that the RSS is strategically positioning its preferred candidates as Vice-Chancellors in universities across the country. Gandhi warned that state universities are also likely to face similar control soon.
Criticism of Modi Over Unemployment
Gandhi also took aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not addressing the issue of unemployment.
He remarked, “A few days ago, the Prime Minister spoke about the Kumbh Mela. It is good that he spoke about the Kumbh, but I wanted him to speak about employment. Your government has made the youth of this country unemployed, and you should speak about that too.”
According to Gandhi, the BJP-RSS model involves concentrating wealth among industrialists like Ambani and Adani while simultaneously handing over control of educational institutions to the RSS.
Solidarity With Students
Gandhi assured the students that he stands with them in their fight to protect the education system. “We are all united, and we will fight together,” he declared.
He emphasized that despite ideological differences among the INDIA bloc partners, they remain committed to working together to prevent the BJP and RSS from controlling the education system.
Context of the Protest
The NSUI protest focused on multiple grievances, including the NEP 2020, the UGC draft rules for faculty appointments and promotions, and the frequent incidents of paper leaks in competitive exams.
Several other student organizations affiliated with the INDIA bloc, such as the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), All India Students’ Federation (AISF), and the Samajwadi Chhatra Sabha, also participated in the protest.
Delhi Police intervened during the demonstration, detaining several NSUI workers. The protest highlighted growing frustration among students over the direction of the country’s education policies.
Concerns Over UGC Draft Rules
Gandhi’s remarks were in response to the University Grants Commission (UGC) draft on faculty and academic staff appointments and promotions, which was circulated on January 6.
Under the proposed rules, the chancellor or visitor of a university would establish a three-member search-cum-selection committee for appointing Vice-Chancellors.
The governor’s nominee would chair the committee, while the other two members would be appointed by the UGC chairman and the university’s apex body.
Gandhi expressed alarm over this framework, warning that it would lead to the appointment of RSS-backed individuals to top positions in universities. “In the time to come, state universities’ VCs will be appointed through RSS nomination. This is dangerous for the country, and we have to stop it,” he said.
INDIA Bloc’s United Front
Despite ideological differences among the INDIA bloc parties, Gandhi underlined the importance of maintaining unity in opposing the BJP-RSS influence on education.
“There can be some ideological differences between us, or in terms of policies. But we will not do any compromise on India’s education system. We will march ahead together step by step and defeat the RSS and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP),” he stated.
This assertion of unity comes at a time when the INDIA bloc has faced internal tensions.
Earlier in January, senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot had called the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) an “opponent,” prompting a sharp response from former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Gandhi’s speech sought to reinforce the bloc’s common goal of resisting BJP-RSS influence on education.
Unemployment and Economic Concerns
Gandhi also criticized the BJP government’s handling of the economy and employment issues. He accused Modi’s administration of prioritizing the interests of industrialists over the welfare of ordinary citizens.
“I wanted to tell him (Modi) that it is good to speak on Kumbh Mela, but he should also speak of the future. He should speak against unemployment. Your government has made the youth of this country unemployed, and you should speak about that too. But he does not do that. Because their model is to hand over the country’s resources to Adani and Ambani and the educational institutions to RSS,” he said.
Student Organizations’ Demands
During the protest, student leaders submitted a memorandum to Gandhi, outlining their demands. Key issues raised included:
- Restoration of students’ union elections in universities.
- Scrapping of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
- Rejection of the UGC draft rules on faculty appointments and promotions.
- Prevention of competitive exam paper leaks.
- Timely disbursal of scholarships.
NSUI president Varun Choudhary highlighted the negative impact of the BJP government’s education policies, stating that they are harming students and limiting future opportunities.
